--- [acoustic guitar: jaunty, mischievous strumming, setting a playful and cheeky tone] [drum beat: light, bouncy rhythm with a tavern jig feel] [fiddle enters: quick, teasing melody, full of energy and mischief] **(Verse 1)** [guitar and fiddle set a lively pace, drums keep a steady bounce] Oh, gather ‘round and lend an ear, I’ve got a tale to share, my dear. Of a scaly rogue, a clever sprite, A kobold’s tricks in the dead of night. [bass enters: soft, walking line, adding groove] He joined the party, small and meek, With puppy eyes and a timid squeak. They said, “Poor lad, he’s not too bright,” But oh, his schemes would come to light! **(Chorus)** [all instruments swell, fiddle plays a wild flourish] Ohhhhh, the kobold grins, the loot is gone, He plays the fool, but he’s no pawn! With a wink and a nod, he’ll steal your gold, The cleverest thief, this kobold bold! **(Verse 2)** [guitar and fiddle grow cheekier, drums add syncopation] He’d trip and stumble, drop his blade, And cry, “Oh no, I’m so afraid!” The fighter laughed, “He’s harmless, see?” But the rogue just squinted suspiciously. [fiddle plays a quick trill, adding humor] The wizard taught him magic tricks, The cleric blessed his candlesticks. But while they slept, he’d creep and sneak, And pocket treasures they’d yet to seek! **(Chorus)** [all instruments swell again, tempo picks up slightly] Ohhhhh, the kobold grins, the loot is gone, He plays the fool, but he’s no pawn! With a wink and a nod, he’ll steal your gold, The cleverest thief, this kobold bold! **(Bridge)** [all instruments drop out except for a soft, plucked fiddle and light percussion] [spoken, with a sly tone] He’d mumble, “What’s this shiny thing?” And hide the gem beneath his wing. The barbarian shrugged, “He’s just a pet,” But the bard said, “Lads, don’t trust him yet!” [fiddle re-enters, building tension, guitar strums lightly] He’d wag his tail and scratch his head, And act confused at what they said. But when the dragon’s hoard was found, He vanished quick without a sound! **(Chorus)** [all instruments return, louder and more chaotic, reflecting the escalating madness] Ohhhhh, the kobold grins, the loot is gone, He plays the fool, but he’s no pawn! With a wink and a nod, he’ll steal your gold, The cleverest thief, this kobold bold! **(Verse 3)** [fiddle and guitar grow wilder, drums add a rolling rhythm] Now the party’s broke, their bags are bare, And the kobold’s nowhere to be found out there. But in a tavern, far away, He’s buying rounds with the gold he swayed. [fiddle plays a comical, exaggerated trill] He’s got a crown upon his head, A magic ring, a cloak of red. The barkeep laughs, “What’s your tale, my friend?” He says, “I’m dumb, but I always win!” **(Final Chorus)** [all instruments at full force, with a triumphant, cheeky groove] Ohhhhh, the kobold grins, the loot is gone, He plays the fool, but he’s no pawn! With a wink and a nod, he’ll steal your gold, The cleverest thief, this kobold bold! **(Outro)** [guitar slows to a playful strum, fiddle fades out softly] So if you find a kobold small, Who trips and stumbles down the hall, Check your bags, keep your gold in sight, Or he’ll be gone by the morning light! [end with a final fiddle flourish and a cheeky drum hit]
